Boston Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Robert Linsdell from St (CC BY 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Alby Set, Valery Zavidovich, Roberto Cortez, Maria Skachko, Aziz Modak · via Google Maps
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- USA & Canada (New England)
- Coordinates:
- 42.3603° N, 71.0578° W
About Boston
Boston stands as a cultural and financial centre within USA & Canada (New England), offering cruise passengers easy access to some of the region's most visited attractions. The port's central location means many highlights are just a short walk away, making it ideal for those wanting to explore independently during a port call.
Popular attractions near the terminal include Faneuil Hall Marketplace, just 0.2 km from the port, and the New England Aquarium at 0.7 km. History enthusiasts can visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum or The Paul Revere House, while those seeking green spaces will find Boston Common and the Public Garden perfect for a stroll. The Museum of Science and Bunker Hill Monument are also within easy reach for visitors with more time to explore.
Exploring Boston from your cruise
With so many attractions within walking distance or a short journey from the port, Boston works well as a standalone port call or as part of a wider New England itinerary. Nearby ports include Bar Harbor, Halifax, New York and Québec City, offering varied experiences across the region.
Boston is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It serves as a cultural and financial center of New England, a region of the Northeastern United States. Boston has an area of 48.4 square miles (125 km2) and a population of 675,647 as of the 2020 census, making it the third-most populous city in the Northeastern United States after New York City and Philadelphia. The larger Greater Boston metropolitan statistical area had a population of 5 million in 2025, making it the largest metropolis in New England and the eleventh-largest in the United States.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Boston on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Abby Brown (Abigail) · via Google Maps Market
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
4.5 (49,467) 0.2 km from port
Shopping center with many stores & restaurants comprising 3 historic market buildings & a promenade.
Near: Quincy Market (28 m) · Best of Boston (42 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “I have not been to Faneuil Hall marketplace in a long time. My family started the day at the aquarium…” — Melissa Anne Hathaway
- 5 · “Had the pleasure to visit this place with family members. I feel this is a must go place. The energy…” — S K
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Photo: Mike Frawley · via Google Maps City Park
Boston Common
4.7 (39,128) 0.9 km from port
Storied, nearly 50-acre urban park that hosted British troops during the American Revolution.
Near: Soldiers and Sailors Monument (69 m) · Parkman Bandstand (83 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
- 5 · “honestly, boston common is such a vibe when the weather is actually nice. if you just need to get out…” — Bobby Zhang
- 5 · “I went into Boston Common for the first time in 50 years and had a great time. I got to…” — richard swain
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Photo: Lynn, Kyaw Zaw · via Google Maps Aquarium
New England Aquarium
4.4 (29,028) 0.7 km from port
A giant glass tank spiraled by a multilevel walkway is the main draw at this waterfront attraction.
Near: Boston Middle Passage Port Marker, Long Wharf (93 m) · Simons Theatre (101 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “Preface, there will be babies and children. It's a ton of kids and couples on dates. Be aware. One of…” — Alex Kosmidis
- 5 · “Went on a Sunday around 12:30 and it was very busy! Definitely useful to buy your tickets online so you…” — Syd T
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Photo: Vedang Gaonkar · via Google Maps Museum
Museum of Science
4.7 (23,624) 1.4 km from port
Venerable institution with interactive exhibits, dome-shaped IMAX/3-D film theater & a planetarium.
Near: Boston Duck Tours Museum of Science Departure Location (38 m) · Charles River Dam Road Bridge (57 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “We visited the Museum of Science yesterday, and my son had a great time. The Shadow Kaleidoscope was his favorite.…” — H Wang
- 5 · “Our family had an amazing day at the Museum of Science with our three grandsons! The Dinosaur Hall was an…” — Jim S
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City Park
Public Garden
4.8 (18,974) 1.2 km from port
Placid, verdant, circa-1837 city park with a lagoon, boat rides, fountains & other sights.
Near: Lagoon Bridge (15 m) · Swan Boats (37 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
- 5 · “What a treat it was to enjoy a stroll among nature at the Boston Public Garden on a beautiful Saturday…” — Stephen Snow
- 5 · “The Boston Public Garden is an absolute must-visit! It is beautifully maintained and right in the middle of the city.…” — Yonkers12
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Museum
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
4.6 (9,962) 1.0 km from port
Floating history museum with live reenactments, multimedia exhibits & a tearoom.
Near: Congress Street Bridge (21 m) · Smith & Wollensky - Boston (135 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “10 out of 10 must see. Very inspiring and so well done. Worth every penny. Bring the kids or any…” — Corey O' Connell
- 5 · “This is not your average museum! Actors in period costume clothing bring history to life and encourage your active participation…” — Amanda Schroeder
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Monument
Bunker Hill Monument
4.7 (7,340) 1.8 km from port
Marking the Battle of Bunker Hill, this 221-ft. granite obelisk features 294 steps & scenic views.
Near: Colonel William Prescott Statue (23 m) · Bunker Hill Museum (98 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “Another must see while you're on that side of the bridge. Very easy area to walk around as long as…” — Jo Anne Clabaugh
- 5 · “Love that access to the 294 step monument is no charge. Peyton's ranger talk had some really interesting points that…” — Doyle Destinations
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Museum
The Paul Revere House
4.5 (5,056) 0.5 km from port
Revere's legendary ride began at this restored Colonial-era home, which includes family furnishings.
Near: Pierce-Hichborn House (7 m) · Sacred Heart Catholic Church (38 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:15 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:15 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:15 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:15 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:15 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:15 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:15 pm
- 5 · “Very interesting historical site. History about the man, but background on the house and colonial life. Good for about 1…” — Joseph Stacey
- 5 · “If you enjoy history, don't skip the Paul Revere House. Seeing so many original items that belonged to Paul Revere…” — Sunshine L.
Map of Boston and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Boston
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